Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland facts for kids

Walter Stewart (1292–1327) was an important Scottish nobleman and knight. He held the title of the 6th hereditary High Steward of Scotland, which was a very important job passed down through his family. He was also the father of King Robert II of Scotland.

Biography

A Young Leader in Scotland's Wars

Walter Stewart was born in 1292. His father was James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland. Walter grew up during a time when Scotland was fighting for its freedom from England. These were known as the Wars of Scottish Independence.

He became a key leader in these wars. Walter was one of the Scottish commanders at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Just before this big battle, King Robert the Bruce knighted Walter and his cousin, James Douglas, Lord of Douglas. Walter and James Douglas both led a group of soldiers (a battalion) during the battle. Walter took part in all the fights between Robert the Bruce and Edward II of England.

Helping the King and Defending Scotland

After the Battle of Bannockburn, King Robert sent Walter on an important mission. He was to bring the King's wife, Queen Elizabeth, and their daughter, Princess Marjory, home from Berwick. They had been held prisoner by the English for eight years. Walter then married Princess Marjory.

While King Robert was away fighting in Ireland, Walter and Sir James Douglas helped manage Scotland's government. They also spent time defending the Scottish Borders from English attacks.

In 1318, the Scots captured Berwick-upon-Tweed from the English. Walter was put in charge of defending this important town. On July 24, 1319, King Edward II of England attacked Berwick. Walter's soldiers bravely destroyed several of the English siege engines. Walter then led a sudden charge out of the town to push the enemy back.

In 1322, Walter, along with Douglas and Thomas Randolph, tried to surprise the English King Edward at Byland Abbey in Yorkshire. King Edward managed to escape, but Walter and 500 horsemen chased him towards York.

Walter, as the Steward of Scotland, also gave land to his valet (a personal servant) named John St. Clair around 1320-1326. This shows his power and influence.

Family

Marriages and Children

Walter married Marjorie Bruce in 1315. Marjorie was the only daughter of Robert I of Scotland (Robert the Bruce) from his first wife. King Robert the Bruce gave Walter many lands, including the Lordship of Largs and the Farme Castle lands. He also received the barony of Bathgate.

Walter and Marjorie had one son:

• Robert II of Scotland

After Marjorie passed away, Walter later married Isabel de Graham. She was the daughter of Sir John Graham. Walter and Isabel had three children:

• John Stewart of Ralston
• Andrew Stewart
• Egidia Stewart. She married three times: first to James Lindsay, then to Hugh Eglinton, and finally to James Douglas of Dalkeith.

See also

In Spanish: Walter Estuardo (1296-1327) para niños